FINAL ABSORPTION IN JAGANNATH

whose body and mind were perfectly dedicated to the-
constant loving service of the Lord,—one who could cross-
the ocean, carry the mountain on his head, play with fire,
jump into the jaws of a ferocious Rakshasa, and undergo.
all kinds of hardship for the sake of the Lord, without
ever feeling tired in body or dejected in spirits. The
memory of Hanuman, to whatever race he might have
belonged and whatever may be the historical value of the
incidents associated with his name, is a treasure of
unsurpassable spiritual value to the Hindus. Unique-
physical strength with unique tenderness of heart, courage
which knows no fear with devotion undisturbed by any
egoistic impulse, tenacity of purpose which no difficulty or
obstacle can weaken with absolute self-surrender to the
will of the Lord, wonderful capacity for organised action
with the immaculate spirit of selfless service,—all these
ideas have been blended together in the very connotation
of his name.

Monkeys, being looked upon as kinsmen of Hanuman,
the immortal incarnation of the spirit of devotion to the
Lord, are objects of special regard to the Hindu mind.
Whatever mischiefs they may do, a true Hindu cannot
think of slaying them. The scriptures also prohibited the
killing of monkeys. The Master's Hindu spirit was'
particularly shocked by the fact that some highly placed
individuals, born of Hindu, parents and passing by the
name of educated Hindu gentlemen, lent their active
support to this un-Hindu scheme of the general massacre
of monkeys in one of the chief centres of Hindu culture-
in India.

Though rarely moving out from his seat of Sadhana,
the Master started a vigorous agitation against this unholy
scheme through his disciples and admirers. First, he tried

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